BP heath issue

[johnfin]

I bought a Morph BP at a show last month and it has health issues. Opening his mouth alot like gasping and there is alot of clear liquid in his mouth. The Strange thing is he is submerging his head in the water dish. I have a vet appt. and think its a respiratory infection but has anyone else seen this symptom and know what the typical meds used are. My vet does not know alot about snakes and there isnt a herp vet local.Any thoughts?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

The one thing you need to ask for is a culture.

If your snake as a RI a culture will help determine which antibiotics is needed.

Treatment should last for about 30 days.

If it turns out that the animal does not have a RI do not let the vet prescribe antibiotics "just because"

[Crowfingers]

From working in multiple veterinary practices, both small animal and exotic, one thing I have found is that a good vet will reach out to consult another if they don't know what to do themselves. If you could find a reptile vet or rescue in your state and at least have their phone number with you, your vet may be able to consult after the exam with someone more knowledgeable.

There was also a link on here somewhere for vets that have instructions on blood draw and what labs to use, I'm not sure if those labs are general for cultures or if it was a post about a specific disease. I saved the link, but not the post

http://labs.vetmed.ufl.edu

[johnfin]

Under the water and gasping:

[bcr229]

Looks like he's soaking in the water, not just dunking his head. Check for mites.

After the vet takes samples for the culture mine have prescribed either baytril + fortaz or baytril + naxcel antibiotic combos while they wait for the results. The shots were given every 3 days for 30 days unless the culture indicated that a change was needed. Your vet will need to weigh your snake and determine the proper doses.

[O'Mathghamhna]

Is he about to shed? What are your temps?